Porous Fluorescent Dye Pellets for Carrier-Free Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dye carrier systems for leak detection in fluid systems, such as refrigeration systems, require additional steps, materials, and expense, and the impregnated substrates remain in the system after dye release, without providing a viable alternative for introducing and monitoring fluid systems, particularly refrigerant systems, and the dye carrier systems, and the dye remains in the system after dye release.
Innovation Solution
A porous pellet for introduction into an operating fluid of a fluid system for detecting sites of fluid leakage is as defined by a solid matrix formed by mixing at least one dye which is solid at room temperature. The pellet comprises a dye which is solid at room temperature. The pellet has a porosity of from 20% to 80%. The solid matrix does not contain additional solid phase materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a substrate carrier (wafer) is used to carry the dye, then the dye can be introduced into the system prior to refrigerant charging, but the substrate remains in the system after dye release, adding complexity and requiring additional removal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the substrate carrier from the system entirely. Instead of using a wafer or other solid substrate to carry the dye, the dye is applied directly to the interior surfaces of system components (evaporator, condenser, receiver/drier) without any carrier material. This eliminates the problem of substrate removal while ensuring complete dye release into the refrigerant stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the interior surfaces of system components as an intermediary medium to hold and release the dye. The dye is applied to these surfaces, which then serve as a reservoir that releases dye into the circulating refrigerant. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for removable substrate carriers while maintaining controlled dye release.
2Quantity of substance
If dye is applied to a substrate carrier, then the dye can be saturated and released into the system, but additional materials and expense are required for the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the substrate carrier component entirely from the dye application system. By applying dye directly to system interior surfaces, the patent removes all costs associated with substrate materials, application equipment for substrate saturation, and removal procedures, while maintaining effective dye delivery to the refrigerant.
Solution Approach 2:
The system components themselves (evaporator, condenser, receiver/drier) serve as the dye carrier surfaces. These components are already present in the system and provide the necessary surface area for dye saturation and release. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate substrate carriers and reduces overall system cost.
3Ease of operation
If a substrate carrier is used to introduce dye, then the dye can be delivered into the system, but the carrier remains after dye release without providing further value
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the substrate carrier from the system entirely. By applying dye directly to system interior surfaces without any carrier material, the patent eliminates the problem of useless substrate material remaining in the system after dye release. The system contains only the functional dye substance needed for leak detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the system component surfaces themselves as intermediaries to deliver and release the dye. These surfaces naturally release the dye into the circulating refrigerant and then return to their original state, providing no residual material in the system after the dye has been delivered. The intermediary surfaces are integral to the system and do not constitute waste material.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The porous dye pellet provides a method for introducing a dye into a fluid system for detecting leaks in fluid systems, particularly in refrigeration systems, and more particularly leak detection in which a dye is introduced into a circulating fluid, such as a refrigerant.
Implementation Method 1
The porous pellet dissolves in the circulating refrigerant, releasing fluorescent dye into the fluid system
Implementation Method 2
When the refrigeration system is exposed to ultraviolet light, even a small deposit of the dye compound is brilliantly fluorescent to allow visual detection of the leak
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a porous pellet for inclusion into an operating fluid of a fluid system for detecting sites of fluid leakage. The porous pellet comprises a solid matrix formed by at least one fluorescent dye which is solid at room temperature. The matrix has a porosity of from about 1.0% to about 90%. Methods of installing the porous pellets into fluid system for detection of leaks is also provided.